Review: Craft Cadence Cycling Wallet
(2021) Imagine taking all of the essentials cyclists carry and putting them in a single case that can fit in a jersey. For those looking to minimize technical items or for those commuting to work and need a case that doubles as a wallet, London-based Craft Cadence and their Cycling Wallet deliver the perfect item.
It has been years since we utilized a saddle bag. Not one for a busy frame, we stowed our essentials in our pockets evenly and hoped for the best. The standard system: Stan’s DART Tool in one pocket, a stuffed wallet in the middle, and the smartphone on the right side. If someone told us a single item could handle all of this, we’d call them crazy. Then we got a hold of Craft Cadence’s Cycling Wallet Essentials Case.
Immediately apparent is the Essentials Case size. Four inches wide and eight inches long when closed, this cycling wallet is definitely one of the bigger ones on the market. Rest assured the wallet fits perfectly in a jersey pocket. All that interior room became important once we tried to load it up and found more places to stash items. With a water-resistant construction design, the wallet can easily lure its way into the pockets of commuters who ride in any weather. A waterproof zipper is a make-or-break scenario for riders looking for epic outings, and this wallet features one.
We gathered all our coffee cards, repair items, cell phone, and cash, and we still had room left over in the Craft Cadence Cycling Wallet.
Opening the wallet leads to a goodybag of thought-out compartments. Down the left side of the case is a lined pocket large enough for most cell phones. Also on the left-hand side is a zippered mesh pocket, perfect for dollar bills for that coffee stop. Speaking of coffee, one can stash three cards below the mesh pocket, presumably for a bank card, a frequent coffee card, and a license. We’ve nearly covered the essentials and we are only halfway through the case.
The right-hand side is perfect for technical needs. There are two elastic bands to secure a spare tube. At the top is a larger pocket, possibly for a multi-tool. This comes in handy to keep the abrasive edges away from the spare. At the bottom of the right side is another mesh pocket. Here is where a CO2 canister and chuck can be wedged. The final touch is the clip for the house key (or the car key if it’s a fondo). Money, tools, coffee cards: what else could a cyclist possibly need to carry? And it all fits in one jersey pocket. The final plus is the snug pocket fit that eliminates any concern for bouncing around during the town sign sprint.
If we could find any concerns, they were nominal. The size of the case is much larger than any others we have used. This is hardly a negative when the Essentials Case is noteworthy because of its storage, though it did generate a warm spot on the lower back. Our feedback crew went back and forth on the need for instant access to one’s cell phone; having it stowed in the essentials case makes quick grabs for the phone nearly impossible. This is where the commuter interest would come in, particularly if a GoPro is used to record any information. We considered the possibility of a passport slid into the spot for those lucky enough to ride across borders.
With so many of our cycling compatriots ticking off centuries lately, it’s exciting when a product can provide more tools to confidently and successfully navigate longer outings. Routes that were just a bit out of reach now seem possible with the Craft Cadence Cycling Wallet Essentials Case. Priced within the realm of major brands, Craft Cadence has certainly brought a thought-out case for the road rider looking to go long or the commuter warrior who rolls out the door even when it’s raining buckets. At least both of them are going for a ride because of the Cadence Cycling Cycling Wallet Essential Case.
